Air Fryer Parmesan Tilapia

$- 4 tilapia fillets - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can swap tilapia for other mild fish like cod or haddock. If you want a gluten-free option, use crushed cornflakes instead of breadcrumbs. For a dairy-free choice, try nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. You can also mix in herbs like dill or thyme for a flavor boost. Each serving of this crispy air fryer Parmesan tilapia has about: - Calories: 320 - Protein: 28g - Carbohydrates: 18g - Fat: 16g - Fiber: 1g - Sodium: 480mg This meal is a great source of protein and is low in carbs, making it perfect for many diets. Enjoy this tasty dish while keeping your nutrition in mind! First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step takes about 5 minutes. While it heats, gather your ingredients. You will need: - 4 tilapia fillets - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Make sure to pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better. In a shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir until everything is well combined. Next, brush both sides of each tilapia fillet with olive oil. This step is important for that crispy texture. Now, take each fillet and dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press firmly to ensure an even coating. Shake off any excess crumbs. Place the coated tilapia fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they don’t overlap. Depending on your air fryer size, you might need to cook in batches. Cook the fillets for 10 to 12 minutes. Flip them halfway through. They should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Once done, remove the tilapia from the air fryer. Let them rest for a couple of minutes. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving! To make your air fryer Parmesan tilapia extra crispy, follow these tips: - Use panko breadcrumbs. They add more crunch than regular breadcrumbs. - Pat the tilapia fillets dry. Removing moisture helps the coating stick better. - Brush the fish with olive oil. This step helps the breadcrumbs crisp up. - Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Give the fillets space to cook evenly. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for: - Skipping the drying step. Moist fish won’t get crispy. - Not preheating the air fryer. This step ensures even cooking from the start. - Overcooking the fillets. Keep an eye on the time to prevent dryness. - Forgetting to flip the fillets. Flipping helps both sides cook evenly and get crispy. Pair your crispy tilapia with these tasty sides: - Fresh green salad. It adds a nice crunch and balance. - Lemon wedges. A squeeze of lemon brightens the dish. - Steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. They add color and nutrition. - Couscous or quinoa. These grains complement the fish well and are filling. {{image_2}} If you love heat, add spice to your tilapia! Start by mixing in cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes with the breadcrumb mix. Just a pinch can make a big difference. You can also use a spicy seasoning blend. This gives a zesty kick, making your meal exciting. Adjust the spice level to your taste. Enjoy the extra flavor that heat brings to the dish! Herbs can transform the taste of your tilapia. Try adding dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or basil to the breadcrumb mix. Fresh herbs like dill or cilantro also work well. They add freshness and depth. You can also squeeze lemon juice over the fillets before cooking. This adds a bright, tangy flavor that complements the Parmesan. Mix and match to find your favorite combination! While tilapia is great, other fish can work too! Cod, haddock, or even salmon can be good substitutes. Each fish has a unique flavor and texture. Cooking times may vary, so keep an eye on your fish. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F. This way, you ensure it's safe to eat. Explore various fish to keep your meals interesting and delicious! To store leftover tilapia, let it cool first. Place the fillets in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover them well. This keeps the fish fresh and prevents odors from the fridge. When it's time to eat the leftovers, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the tilapia in the basket. Reheat for about 5 to 7 minutes. This helps to keep the fish crispy. You can also use an oven if you want. Just cover the fillets with foil to keep moisture in. If you want to save tilapia for later, freezing is great. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. This will keep them fresh for up to three months. When you're ready to cook, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then, follow your air fryer steps for a tasty meal! Yes, you can use frozen tilapia fillets. Just remember to thaw them first. You can place them in the fridge overnight or run cold water over them for a quick thaw. Once thawed, pat them dry with paper towels. This step helps the coating stick better. Tilapia should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This ensures it is safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. When cooked, the fish will flake easily with a fork. It should look opaque and white. You can tell when tilapia is done by checking its color and texture. It should be opaque and firm. If you gently poke it with a fork, it should flake easily. Use a meat thermometer to confirm it reached 145°F (63°C). This is the best way to ensure it’s safe and tasty. This article covered how to make tasty air fryer tilapia. We explored key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for crispiness. I shared fun variations and how to store leftovers. In my final thoughts, remember that cooking is fun. Don’t hesitate to try new flavors or other fish types. Enjoy your delicious meal!$

Cook up a delicious Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Tilapia that's sure to impress! This simple recipe uses just a few ingredients to create a crunchy, flavorful dish that is ready in just 25 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, you’ll love how easy and tasty it is. Click through to explore the full recipe and transform your dinner table with this delightful seafood dish!

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Ingredients

4 tilapia fillets

1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

In a shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir until well combined.

Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Brush both sides of each tilapia fillet with olive oil to help the coating adhere and achieve a crispy texture.

Dredge each fillet in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to ensure an even coating. Shake off any excess.

Place the coated tilapia fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Air fry the tilapia for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F or 63°C).

Once cooked, remove the fillets from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh chopped parsley!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the crispy tilapia with a side of lemon wedges and a fresh green salad. Arrange the fillets on a colorful plate, drizzling with a little olive oil and additional Parmesan on top for a gourmet touch.